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The Heroes of Chance Creek #2
The Soldier's E-Mail Order Bride
Alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here
Staff Sergeant Austin Hall has a brilliant record in the Special Forces—except for one disastrous decision that cost his best friend’s life. Now he’s heading home to Chance Creek, Montana, where he’d like to spend the rest of his days in the obscurity of his family’s ranch. Too bad Great Aunt Heloise won’t hand the ranch over unless all four of the Hall brothers marry and one of them produces an heir within the year. Austin is too broken to marry for love, so he places an online ad for a fake wife. What could possibly go wrong?
Ella needs to leave Hollywood—fast. It’s bad enough another actress stole her fiancé—on national television. Now she’s ruined her comeback by decking her ex on a morning talk show. Pursued by paparazzi, Ella needs a new life, a new name and someplace to hide. When she reads Austin’s ad for a stand-in wife, she knows she can act this part perfectly. To the rest of the residents of Chance Creek, they’ll be a happily married couple. In private, they’ll just be roommates. In a year when she’d old news and the Hall brothers secure the ranch, she and Austin will quietly divorce and she’ll go on her way.
Or will she?
Austin’s already finding it hard to remember his promise never to love again. Ella’s finding it hard to keep her hands to herself. But when they’re asked make a back-up baby, Ella realizes she may have stepped into a lifetime role.
Can this pretend marriage go the distance?
Staff Sergeant Austin Hall has a brilliant record in the Special Forces—except for one disastrous decision that cost his best friend’s life. Now he’s heading home to Chance Creek, Montana, where he’d like to spend the rest of his days in the obscurity of his family’s ranch. Too bad Great Aunt Heloise won’t hand the ranch over unless all four of the Hall brothers marry and one of them produces an heir within the year. Austin is too broken to marry for love, so he places an online ad for a fake wife. What could possibly go wrong?
Ella needs to leave Hollywood—fast. It’s bad enough another actress stole her fiancé—on national television. Now she’s ruined her comeback by decking her ex on a morning talk show. Pursued by paparazzi, Ella needs a new life, a new name and someplace to hide. When she reads Austin’s ad for a stand-in wife, she knows she can act this part perfectly. To the rest of the residents of Chance Creek, they’ll be a happily married couple. In private, they’ll just be roommates. In a year when she’d old news and the Hall brothers secure the ranch, she and Austin will quietly divorce and she’ll go on her way.
Or will she?
Austin’s already finding it hard to remember his promise never to love again. Ella’s finding it hard to keep her hands to herself. But when they’re asked make a back-up baby, Ella realizes she may have stepped into a lifetime role.
Can this pretend marriage go the distance?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2014
1621 people are currently reading
2002 people want to read
About the author
Cora Seton
85 books1,517 followersWith over one million books sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Seton has created a world readers love in Chance Creek, Montana. She currently has thirty novels and novellas set in her fictional town, with many more in the works.
Like her characters, Cora loves cowboys, military heroes, country life, gardening, jogging, binge-watching Jane Austen movies, keeping up with the latest technology and indulging in old-fashioned pursuits. She lives on beautiful Vancouver Island with her husband, children and two cats.
Visit www.coraseton.com to read about new releases, locate your favorite characters on the Chance Creek map, and learn about contests and other cool events!
Like her characters, Cora loves cowboys, military heroes, country life, gardening, jogging, binge-watching Jane Austen movies, keeping up with the latest technology and indulging in old-fashioned pursuits. She lives on beautiful Vancouver Island with her husband, children and two cats.
Visit www.coraseton.com to read about new releases, locate your favorite characters on the Chance Creek map, and learn about contests and other cool events!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
March 4, 2017
3 Needing a Bride
* * *
This is a continuing series of 4 brothers who were all of the different parts of the Service. All of them must find a bride within a deadline laid out by the Aunt who owns the family ranch. The men want their family ranch back so Email Brides it is....
This covers survivor guilt, figuring out what is important and two seemingly total opposites finding love and happiness.
Free on Amazon
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * *
This is a continuing series of 4 brothers who were all of the different parts of the Service. All of them must find a bride within a deadline laid out by the Aunt who owns the family ranch. The men want their family ranch back so Email Brides it is....
This covers survivor guilt, figuring out what is important and two seemingly total opposites finding love and happiness.
Free on Amazon
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 19, 2015
Austin needs a wife - like now - if he and his brothers want to keep their ranch, and some heirs. Those are the conditions set by their great aunt in book one.
However, Austin has a problem. He's suffering from survivors guilt as well as just coming home from doing a tour over seas. He's not ready for the outside civilian world, let alone a wife. He needs to come to terms with no longer being a soldier amongst other things.
Ella is a famous Hollywood actress who just realized her life has been a big lie- well, when it comes to her fiance' that is. He's a liar, a cheat and just plain awful. To top that off, her career is in the tank. Time to retreat and hide somewhere for awhile so the press can find a new fish to chase after.
Austin puts out an ad for a wife online which is different from the one his brother, Mason, originally made up. Ella ends up answering the ad and now nothing will ever be the same again for Austin or Ella.
They both will struggle to find peace, quiet, love, acceptance, and ultimately...letting the past go and finding themselves as well as happiness that they most definitely deserve.
However, Austin has a problem. He's suffering from survivors guilt as well as just coming home from doing a tour over seas. He's not ready for the outside civilian world, let alone a wife. He needs to come to terms with no longer being a soldier amongst other things.
Ella is a famous Hollywood actress who just realized her life has been a big lie- well, when it comes to her fiance' that is. He's a liar, a cheat and just plain awful. To top that off, her career is in the tank. Time to retreat and hide somewhere for awhile so the press can find a new fish to chase after.
Austin puts out an ad for a wife online which is different from the one his brother, Mason, originally made up. Ella ends up answering the ad and now nothing will ever be the same again for Austin or Ella.
They both will struggle to find peace, quiet, love, acceptance, and ultimately...letting the past go and finding themselves as well as happiness that they most definitely deserve.
April 28, 2015
The guilt part was too dragged out. I was furious at Heather’s insensitivity/cruelty. But I enjoyed other parts.
I enjoyed the relationship, the characters, how they met, and how they acted. But Austin’s guilt was too repetitive and dragged out. In Afghanistan he was unable to save a guy’s life and feels guilty. So he won’t let himself be happy with a wife, child or other good things in life. I was tired of reading about it.
This is a fake marriage for a year. They agree there will be no sex. But within hours of meeting they have sex, and they continue to have sex. But each time they say “That was the last time. We can’t do that again.” But they keep doing it. It made me laugh.
The prenup part was not logical. He asked her to sign a prenup, but she didn’t ask him to sign one. She had a lot more money than he did.
This author is hitting the wrong buttons with me. In the first book (The Navy SEAL’s...”) my anger about Zeke’s debts overpowered the story. In this book I am angry about one woman having a baby and not telling the father for more than 12 years. It’s cruelty to the child and to the father. I don’t mind using that woman as a bad guy. What I mind is there was no emotional satisfaction on that issue. It was not resolved well.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR Emily Cauldwell.
She was good at general narration and for some women, but she’s bad with male voices. When she lowers her voice for men she loses the emotional element. Austin’s voice was low, rigid, un-sexy, and like a robot. There was no desire. She made Mason sound like a girl, due to his tones and emotions. The narrator should try for emotional interpretation instead of trying to raise, lower, or tighten her voice.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 28 mins (309 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 9. Setting: current day mostly Montana. Book copyright: 2014. Genre: contemporary romance.
I enjoyed the relationship, the characters, how they met, and how they acted. But Austin’s guilt was too repetitive and dragged out. In Afghanistan he was unable to save a guy’s life and feels guilty. So he won’t let himself be happy with a wife, child or other good things in life. I was tired of reading about it.
This is a fake marriage for a year. They agree there will be no sex. But within hours of meeting they have sex, and they continue to have sex. But each time they say “That was the last time. We can’t do that again.” But they keep doing it. It made me laugh.
The prenup part was not logical. He asked her to sign a prenup, but she didn’t ask him to sign one. She had a lot more money than he did.
This author is hitting the wrong buttons with me. In the first book (The Navy SEAL’s...”) my anger about Zeke’s debts overpowered the story. In this book I am angry about one woman having a baby and not telling the father for more than 12 years. It’s cruelty to the child and to the father. I don’t mind using that woman as a bad guy. What I mind is there was no emotional satisfaction on that issue. It was not resolved well.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR Emily Cauldwell.
She was good at general narration and for some women, but she’s bad with male voices. When she lowers her voice for men she loses the emotional element. Austin’s voice was low, rigid, un-sexy, and like a robot. There was no desire. She made Mason sound like a girl, due to his tones and emotions. The narrator should try for emotional interpretation instead of trying to raise, lower, or tighten her voice.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 28 mins (309 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 9. Setting: current day mostly Montana. Book copyright: 2014. Genre: contemporary romance.
August 19, 2014
Copy received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
********
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Contemporary Romance
Series : - Second in the series.
Writing - Third Dual POV
Main Characters : Ella - famous actress, whose life fell apart in a very humiliating and public way. Decides she is done with Holywood and wants a simpler life and somewhere to hide out.
Austin Hall, recently out of the special forces. Suffers from extreme guilt over the death of his best friend and thinks he does not deserve a happy life. Decided he needs a wife of convenience, to help his family keep their ranch.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
★Review★
Overall I enjoyed this book.
It was a touch silly in parts, especially at the start with The Oscars and then the TV interview goings on. It was all just a touch far fetched for me.
But then, the whole premise for the set up of the series is a bit fat fetched, being forced into marriages and pregnancies within a year, with babies and back up babies etc.
But, I did like both characters, and I thought Austin's struggles were very real and you felt and understood his pain.
I did not like the plot twist at about 60% and then again at 90%. I understand the need to set up the "next" story in the series, but personally, I hate when it really impacts on the story of the couple I am currently reading about. But that is just a personal preference.
In the end, it is a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars, and while I probably will read, and most certainly enjoy future books by this author, I would not necessarily rush out to buy them on release.
********
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Contemporary Romance
Series : - Second in the series.
Writing - Third Dual POV
Main Characters : Ella - famous actress, whose life fell apart in a very humiliating and public way. Decides she is done with Holywood and wants a simpler life and somewhere to hide out.
Austin Hall, recently out of the special forces. Suffers from extreme guilt over the death of his best friend and thinks he does not deserve a happy life. Decided he needs a wife of convenience, to help his family keep their ranch.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
★Review★
Overall I enjoyed this book.
It was a touch silly in parts, especially at the start with The Oscars and then the TV interview goings on. It was all just a touch far fetched for me.
But then, the whole premise for the set up of the series is a bit fat fetched, being forced into marriages and pregnancies within a year, with babies and back up babies etc.
But, I did like both characters, and I thought Austin's struggles were very real and you felt and understood his pain.
I did not like the plot twist at about 60% and then again at 90%. I understand the need to set up the "next" story in the series, but personally, I hate when it really impacts on the story of the couple I am currently reading about. But that is just a personal preference.
In the end, it is a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars, and while I probably will read, and most certainly enjoy future books by this author, I would not necessarily rush out to buy them on release.
July 11, 2016
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone but part of a series
Ages of H and h: Late 20s or 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes.
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
A good continuation of the first book. A little drama happens in the book regarding the paternity of a 12 y/o boy.
Ages of H and h: Late 20s or 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes.
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
A good continuation of the first book. A little drama happens in the book regarding the paternity of a 12 y/o boy.
December 20, 2017
I really enjoy Cora Seton books, usually. Not so much this one. Full of angst, misunderstanding and repetitions, the execution just wasn't that good. But the plot and hot romance were.
When the Hall Brothers Father died, the family was forced off their ranch in Chance Creek, Montana due to an arcane provision of the family trust. Great Aunt Heloise is in charge and she had mandated that the four boys have a year to get married, restock the ranch and one of them must produce an heir in order for the ranch to be turned over to them. These guys have all chosen military careers but the ranch is their first love. The oldest brother, Mason, has done his part. He left the SEALs, got married and is expecting a baby. Now it's Austin's turn.
Staff Sergeant Austin Hall has a great career in the Special Forces, except for a decision made in the heat of battle that cost his best friend’s life. Filled with survivor's guilt, he retires from the military and heads home to Chance Creek, Montana where he’ll fulfill his duty to his family and marry to save the family ranch. Austin refuses to even think that he should have a happy family when his best friend, Donavon, is dead. His plan is to find a woman willing to endure a fake marriage for the required year, divorce her and live the rest of his life with his misery. So much for best laid plans . . .
Ella needs to escape Hollywood due to a disastrous appearance where she cold-cocked her ex-fiancé (another disaster she had to live down). Ella needs a place to hid and maybe a new direction for her life. Living pursued by the paparazzi and being judged by her looks has gotten really old. When she reads Austin's internet ad, she thinks this is the answer to her problem. Only one thing, she didn't count on falling in love.
When the Hall Brothers Father died, the family was forced off their ranch in Chance Creek, Montana due to an arcane provision of the family trust. Great Aunt Heloise is in charge and she had mandated that the four boys have a year to get married, restock the ranch and one of them must produce an heir in order for the ranch to be turned over to them. These guys have all chosen military careers but the ranch is their first love. The oldest brother, Mason, has done his part. He left the SEALs, got married and is expecting a baby. Now it's Austin's turn.
Staff Sergeant Austin Hall has a great career in the Special Forces, except for a decision made in the heat of battle that cost his best friend’s life. Filled with survivor's guilt, he retires from the military and heads home to Chance Creek, Montana where he’ll fulfill his duty to his family and marry to save the family ranch. Austin refuses to even think that he should have a happy family when his best friend, Donavon, is dead. His plan is to find a woman willing to endure a fake marriage for the required year, divorce her and live the rest of his life with his misery. So much for best laid plans . . .
Ella needs to escape Hollywood due to a disastrous appearance where she cold-cocked her ex-fiancé (another disaster she had to live down). Ella needs a place to hid and maybe a new direction for her life. Living pursued by the paparazzi and being judged by her looks has gotten really old. When she reads Austin's internet ad, she thinks this is the answer to her problem. Only one thing, she didn't count on falling in love.
October 15, 2015
May Contain Spoilers!
This was just ok. didn't really care for Austin and his we can't be together. I also dont like that The 2 brother slept with same girl 12years ago .gross.lol. of course Austin didn't know about it. I will still read more in the series because I want to see babies:) although I'm not looking forward to Colt's story because he is the one who slept with Austin's ex and she is his h. weird ! lol
Safety:H was engaged but he cheated on her. She didn't really love him. Their sexual past isn't really discussed .
This was just ok. didn't really care for Austin and his we can't be together. I also dont like that The 2 brother slept with same girl 12years ago .gross.lol. of course Austin didn't know about it. I will still read more in the series because I want to see babies:) although I'm not looking forward to Colt's story because he is the one who slept with Austin's ex and she is his h. weird ! lol
Safety:H was engaged but he cheated on her. She didn't really love him. Their sexual past isn't really discussed .
July 31, 2014
After reading the first book in this series, The Navy SEAL's E-Mail Order Bride, which I enjoyed, I worried that this book would be too similar. After all, Cora Seton already had a cowboy version in her Chance Creek series. But have no fear, all three books are completely different even though they have similar titles! I had absolutely adored Austin and Ella right from the beginning. I think it's impossible not to especially considering all that has happened to both characters. Ella has been publicly humiliated and dumped by her fiancé all while loosing the Oscar to the "other" woman. Austin is guilt ridden of surviving the war when his best friend didn't. Both of them are eager to jump at the chance for a fake marriage but neither is prepared for emotions to get involved. I cannot wait for the next installment, please write quickly!!!!
did-not-finish
July 21, 2014DNF @ 60%
I liked the first book in this series, but I'm sorry to say that this one didn't do it for me.
From Austin's pity party and the whole "we can't be together," but lets jump in bed every chance we get, to that plot twist at 60%. I just didn't find myself rooting or even caring for them.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the first book in this series, but I'm sorry to say that this one didn't do it for me.
From Austin's pity party and the whole "we can't be together," but lets jump in bed every chance we get, to that plot twist at 60%. I just didn't find myself rooting or even caring for them.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
A really good addition to the series. This book improved on the story set up in the first book.
More depth to the story. Some surprises.
Ella & Austin were good characters. I liked the inclusion of some of the people from the community.
Enjoyed the return of Mason & Regan from the first book. Can't wait to see what happens when all 4 brothers reunite--an obstacle course run!
I thought it was a nice twist on the mail order trope to have the female character as a famous Hollywood actress. not the typical person answering a mail order ad.
and yeah...that "no sex" really didn't last long did it? and for keeping their distance, there was a lot of sex in the book but not overwhelming to the story. Nor too graphic. And on an obstacle course-that was a new one. Clever!
While this is a light romance it touches on the real issue of military vets returning from war to civilian life. It's a relevant issue that i thought the writer dealt w/very respectfully, while still in context to fit in w/the genre.
More depth to the story. Some surprises.
Ella & Austin were good characters. I liked the inclusion of some of the people from the community.
Enjoyed the return of Mason & Regan from the first book. Can't wait to see what happens when all 4 brothers reunite--an obstacle course run!
I thought it was a nice twist on the mail order trope to have the female character as a famous Hollywood actress. not the typical person answering a mail order ad.
and yeah...that "no sex" really didn't last long did it? and for keeping their distance, there was a lot of sex in the book but not overwhelming to the story. Nor too graphic. And on an obstacle course-that was a new one. Clever!
While this is a light romance it touches on the real issue of military vets returning from war to civilian life. It's a relevant issue that i thought the writer dealt w/very respectfully, while still in context to fit in w/the genre.
July 7, 2017
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
March 20, 2017
This is a surprisingly emotional read.
February 19, 2025
This series started in a pretty funny way with 4 brothers needing to get married within a year in order to get ownership of their childhood ranch. One of them not only needed to marry but also have a child within a year. The conditions were set by their Aunt Heloise who also said they had to stock the ranch with cattle. These odd stipulations came about because the ranch was passed on to their Uncle Zeke many years ago (after their father died when they were teenagers). When Zeke passed away, the ranch went to his wife, Heloise. Unfortunately, Zeke let the place get run down and sold off everything he could but Heloise didn't know this. The easy part of stocking the ranch with cattle became a major problem for the men since they now had to fence the pastures and outfit the barn.
The boys - now men - were all in different parts of the military and were close to their discharge dates when they found out about their aunt's conditions for giving them the ranch. Since they never had time to meet women in the military, the oldest, Mason, placed a 'wives wanted' ad on the Internet.
Austin has finished his career in the Army getting medals and called a hero and now it's his turn to find a wife. He came up with the idea that he only wanted a wife for a year and once Heloise signed the land over to them, he would get a divorce. So his "great" idea is to post an ad laying out this plan explaining that he was looking for a business partner to be his pretend wife.
Suffering from survivor's guilt, Austin doesn't think he deserves to be happy or have anything good in his life. He can't get over the death of his friend, Donovan, in combat believing it was his fault the man died.
Ella is an actress in Hollywood who, at the Oscars, finds out that her fiance has been cheating on her. The woman he was cheating with announces it, and that she's pregnant, at the event. The press won't leave Ella alone so she runs. Looking for a place to hide (from the press) Ella answers Austin's ad and they make a deal. She flies off to Montana and gets married to him immediately after she lands. It's kind of funny that so many people recognize Ella but Austin doesn't have a clue who she is.
I enjoyed this well written story that was at times humorous or heartbreaking. The characters were not your typical ones. With a Hollywood star in hiding and an Army Staff Sargent believing he doesn't deserve to be alive you don't have your average romantic couple. As they got to know each other and had a hard time keeping their hands off each other, we see them as regular people. I liked it when Ella figured out Austin's issues and tried to help him through them.
This is the second book in the series that I've read and can't wait to read the rest of them. I highly recommend this romance.
The boys - now men - were all in different parts of the military and were close to their discharge dates when they found out about their aunt's conditions for giving them the ranch. Since they never had time to meet women in the military, the oldest, Mason, placed a 'wives wanted' ad on the Internet.
Austin has finished his career in the Army getting medals and called a hero and now it's his turn to find a wife. He came up with the idea that he only wanted a wife for a year and once Heloise signed the land over to them, he would get a divorce. So his "great" idea is to post an ad laying out this plan explaining that he was looking for a business partner to be his pretend wife.
Suffering from survivor's guilt, Austin doesn't think he deserves to be happy or have anything good in his life. He can't get over the death of his friend, Donovan, in combat believing it was his fault the man died.
Ella is an actress in Hollywood who, at the Oscars, finds out that her fiance has been cheating on her. The woman he was cheating with announces it, and that she's pregnant, at the event. The press won't leave Ella alone so she runs. Looking for a place to hide (from the press) Ella answers Austin's ad and they make a deal. She flies off to Montana and gets married to him immediately after she lands. It's kind of funny that so many people recognize Ella but Austin doesn't have a clue who she is.
I enjoyed this well written story that was at times humorous or heartbreaking. The characters were not your typical ones. With a Hollywood star in hiding and an Army Staff Sargent believing he doesn't deserve to be alive you don't have your average romantic couple. As they got to know each other and had a hard time keeping their hands off each other, we see them as regular people. I liked it when Ella figured out Austin's issues and tried to help him through them.
This is the second book in the series that I've read and can't wait to read the rest of them. I highly recommend this romance.
May 31, 2015
Pscheee...
A ver, la premisa inicial (los cuatro hermanos tienen que casarse en un año y deciden buscar a sus futuras esposas a través de anuncios en webs de contactos) ya es bastante inverosímil. Pero es que en este caso, estiran aún más mi suspensión de la realidad y ni siquiera hay un juego previo (como en la novela anterior) en la que los protagonistas se pasan meses intercambiando mensajes para conocerse un mínimo.
En este caso Austin pone el anuncio, Elle responde y, sin más, ya está todo hecho. Dos adultos sanos que, sin haberse visto antes, acuerdan que se pasarán un año célibes. Y, como esto es una novela romántica, los dos son ejemplares espléndidos de su sexo (él está buenísimo, ella es una diosa encarnada), así que su resolución de no tener sexo salta por la ventana al primer momento. De verdad, no pasa nada, es comprensible porque las carnes pican y aprietan cuando uno se excita y hay una química insana por lo intensa entre los dos. Lo que me ha tenido elevando los ojos al cielo por puro hastío ha sido que insisten en volver una y otra vez sobre la regla de "Nada de encamarse", mientras no dejan de meterse mano el uno al otro.
Todo ocurre muy deprisa y me queda la sensación de que Elle queda repentinamente anulada en cuanto llega al rancho. En principio quería escapar del escándalo y pasar un año tranquila, dejando que el polvo de la polémica se asentase. Para cuando llegamos al final de la novela, no sólo está encantada de abandonar su carrera de actriz para ser una devota esposa, es que en algún momento se le desata una fiebre uterina repentina y decide que quiere tener un montón de hijos, los suficientes para tener su propia liga de fútbol. En la anterior novela, Regan tenía ya una cita concertada para ser inseminada artificialmente, así que no parece extraño que se lance sobre la oportunidad de tener un hijo con su recién estrenado esposo sin pensárselo dos veces. ¿Pero Elle? ¿Abandonarlo todo para vivir las expectativas y sueños de un hombre al que acaba de conocer, por muy bueno que esté y por muy bueno que sea en la cama? Es como si Cora Seton sólo concibiese la felicidad en la mujer si esta se convierte en madre y alcanza una felicidad doméstica muy de los años 50 del pasado siglo.
¿Lo único bueno? El tratamiento que se hace de Austin y sus secuelas de guerra. Aunque su recuperación es casi tan milagrosa como la repentina atracción por su esposa de catálogo, al menos se presenta una descripción bastante decente de lo que el síndrome del shock postraumático.
A ver, la premisa inicial (los cuatro hermanos tienen que casarse en un año y deciden buscar a sus futuras esposas a través de anuncios en webs de contactos) ya es bastante inverosímil. Pero es que en este caso, estiran aún más mi suspensión de la realidad y ni siquiera hay un juego previo (como en la novela anterior) en la que los protagonistas se pasan meses intercambiando mensajes para conocerse un mínimo.
En este caso Austin pone el anuncio, Elle responde y, sin más, ya está todo hecho. Dos adultos sanos que, sin haberse visto antes, acuerdan que se pasarán un año célibes. Y, como esto es una novela romántica, los dos son ejemplares espléndidos de su sexo (él está buenísimo, ella es una diosa encarnada), así que su resolución de no tener sexo salta por la ventana al primer momento. De verdad, no pasa nada, es comprensible porque las carnes pican y aprietan cuando uno se excita y hay una química insana por lo intensa entre los dos. Lo que me ha tenido elevando los ojos al cielo por puro hastío ha sido que insisten en volver una y otra vez sobre la regla de "Nada de encamarse", mientras no dejan de meterse mano el uno al otro.
Todo ocurre muy deprisa y me queda la sensación de que Elle queda repentinamente anulada en cuanto llega al rancho. En principio quería escapar del escándalo y pasar un año tranquila, dejando que el polvo de la polémica se asentase. Para cuando llegamos al final de la novela, no sólo está encantada de abandonar su carrera de actriz para ser una devota esposa, es que en algún momento se le desata una fiebre uterina repentina y decide que quiere tener un montón de hijos, los suficientes para tener su propia liga de fútbol. En la anterior novela, Regan tenía ya una cita concertada para ser inseminada artificialmente, así que no parece extraño que se lance sobre la oportunidad de tener un hijo con su recién estrenado esposo sin pensárselo dos veces. ¿Pero Elle? ¿Abandonarlo todo para vivir las expectativas y sueños de un hombre al que acaba de conocer, por muy bueno que esté y por muy bueno que sea en la cama? Es como si Cora Seton sólo concibiese la felicidad en la mujer si esta se convierte en madre y alcanza una felicidad doméstica muy de los años 50 del pasado siglo.
¿Lo único bueno? El tratamiento que se hace de Austin y sus secuelas de guerra. Aunque su recuperación es casi tan milagrosa como la repentina atracción por su esposa de catálogo, al menos se presenta una descripción bastante decente de lo que el síndrome del shock postraumático.
July 22, 2014
The Soldier's Email Bride by Cora Seton is wonderful! I am a big fan of Cora Seton's work and was so excited when I got to review The Soldier's E-mail Bride which is book 2 of the Heroes of Chance Creek Series. I have already read book 1 which is The Navy Seal's E-mail order bride and that one was wonderful too. I will post a link to that review, at the end of this one.
In the Soldier's Email Bride, the book starts out with Austin Hall, when he is in the Armed Forces, and he is hearing a conversation which includes his brothers. They all must get married within the year, and one of them must have a baby in order to inherit the property that they grew up on. Aunt Heloise is calling the shots and she has some more stipulations such as 100 pairs of cattle and the house in good repair, but the only thing that Austin worries about, other then sending money to his brother, is finding a bride.
His brother set up an online dating site and has requested that each of the 4 brothers go online and pick out a girl to go on a date. Austin chooses a new site, and makes an add more like what he wants. He gets so many replies, that he just deletes most, until he gets a reply that catches his eye.
Ella is at her wits end. She planned on getting married to a fellow actor, but when she found out this actor was cheating on her, she chose to leave the relationship. Then her manager calls her to be on a talk show, and she does it thinking that her friend and manager has her best interests in mind, that is until her former fiance walks out onto the stage with the girl, he was cheating on her with. Ella decks her ex-fiance on national television and then goes into hiding.
Ella does not know what to do, so she answers Austin's add for a wife. She flies to Montana and is married within an hour of landing. Everyone knows who she is, except Austin. Austin finds out only when they stop to get food and the three ladies behind the counter recognize her. Austin wants a quiet peaceful life and so does Ella, but the fact that she is a Hollywood actress might change everything. Can they get along, or will the differences be too great?
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
In the Soldier's Email Bride, the book starts out with Austin Hall, when he is in the Armed Forces, and he is hearing a conversation which includes his brothers. They all must get married within the year, and one of them must have a baby in order to inherit the property that they grew up on. Aunt Heloise is calling the shots and she has some more stipulations such as 100 pairs of cattle and the house in good repair, but the only thing that Austin worries about, other then sending money to his brother, is finding a bride.
His brother set up an online dating site and has requested that each of the 4 brothers go online and pick out a girl to go on a date. Austin chooses a new site, and makes an add more like what he wants. He gets so many replies, that he just deletes most, until he gets a reply that catches his eye.
Ella is at her wits end. She planned on getting married to a fellow actor, but when she found out this actor was cheating on her, she chose to leave the relationship. Then her manager calls her to be on a talk show, and she does it thinking that her friend and manager has her best interests in mind, that is until her former fiance walks out onto the stage with the girl, he was cheating on her with. Ella decks her ex-fiance on national television and then goes into hiding.
Ella does not know what to do, so she answers Austin's add for a wife. She flies to Montana and is married within an hour of landing. Everyone knows who she is, except Austin. Austin finds out only when they stop to get food and the three ladies behind the counter recognize her. Austin wants a quiet peaceful life and so does Ella, but the fact that she is a Hollywood actress might change everything. Can they get along, or will the differences be too great?
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
August 1, 2014
One brother down, three more to go. Austin is returning home, but he's definitely not the same boy who left. A classic case of survivor's guilt, Austin believes he's made a mistake and therefore he does not deserve any happiness. So finding a woman to love and marry is not going to work for him. He sends out his own wanted ad, stating clearly that he needs someone to play his wife. It would be strictly business and after a year they would get a divorce.
Now Ella is one of America's favourite actresses, but she recently got dumped on live television a week before she was to get married. She feels totally humiliated and needs to escape from the paparazzi until this whole thing blows over. Thanks to a message by her agent she stumbles upon Austin's message. Playing someone's wife for a year somewhere on a farm in Montana, seems like the perfect place to hide out. I didn't say it was the smartest.
Austin might not recognize her at first, but it's not long before it seems that the whole town knows about Ella's whereabouts. Things get more complicated when Austin and Ella are supposed to get a back up baby, bringing their no sex rule very much in danger. Honestly things between them are very hot and heavy. Ella is adapting to her role way better than expected and could see her fitting in permanently, though convincing Austin of that won't be so easy.
While these are fun and easy reads, there definitely is more to the story. Ella and Austin's personal problems add some depth which I appreciate very much. You still know how it is going to end, but there were some interesting surprises on their road to happiness.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Now Ella is one of America's favourite actresses, but she recently got dumped on live television a week before she was to get married. She feels totally humiliated and needs to escape from the paparazzi until this whole thing blows over. Thanks to a message by her agent she stumbles upon Austin's message. Playing someone's wife for a year somewhere on a farm in Montana, seems like the perfect place to hide out. I didn't say it was the smartest.
Austin might not recognize her at first, but it's not long before it seems that the whole town knows about Ella's whereabouts. Things get more complicated when Austin and Ella are supposed to get a back up baby, bringing their no sex rule very much in danger. Honestly things between them are very hot and heavy. Ella is adapting to her role way better than expected and could see her fitting in permanently, though convincing Austin of that won't be so easy.
While these are fun and easy reads, there definitely is more to the story. Ella and Austin's personal problems add some depth which I appreciate very much. You still know how it is going to end, but there were some interesting surprises on their road to happiness.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 28, 2015
*The deal 4 brothers have to find wives and one has to have a child in order to get the deed to their Ranch.
Mason and Regan are off on their honeymoon. Now it's up to Austin to find a woman to be his wife. At least until the year is up and they get the Deed. He doesn't want forever he just wants a 'business' partner who will marry him and pretend to be in love. So he places his no nonsense ad for a pretend wife.
Ella's fiancee cheated on her and revealed it to the world at the Oscar's. So when she needs a place to hide out and let the press die down she clicks a link to a wife wanted ad her friend sent her. She doesn't want anything long-term, messy, or complicated. She just wants a place to lie low and what better place to do that than marry a cowboy and hide on his families ranch for a year.
Ha watch the sexual chemistry fly between these two. Drama erupts, and both Ella and Austin aren't without their own drawbacks. Ella refuses to leave the farm and Austin is dealing with his own emotional baggage. He is not only fresh from a war zone but he also lost a friend and blames himself.
This was a fun story filled with sex, drama, funny times, serious times and so much more. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading about the other brothers. Especially Colt.
Mason and Regan are off on their honeymoon. Now it's up to Austin to find a woman to be his wife. At least until the year is up and they get the Deed. He doesn't want forever he just wants a 'business' partner who will marry him and pretend to be in love. So he places his no nonsense ad for a pretend wife.
Ella's fiancee cheated on her and revealed it to the world at the Oscar's. So when she needs a place to hide out and let the press die down she clicks a link to a wife wanted ad her friend sent her. She doesn't want anything long-term, messy, or complicated. She just wants a place to lie low and what better place to do that than marry a cowboy and hide on his families ranch for a year.
Ha watch the sexual chemistry fly between these two. Drama erupts, and both Ella and Austin aren't without their own drawbacks. Ella refuses to leave the farm and Austin is dealing with his own emotional baggage. He is not only fresh from a war zone but he also lost a friend and blames himself.
This was a fun story filled with sex, drama, funny times, serious times and so much more. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading about the other brothers. Especially Colt.
September 26, 2014
ADRI'S REVIEW:
Thank You first off to NetGalley for providing us with a copy of this book so that we could bring you this review.
Now I think by now many of you know that I am completely in love with Cora Seton and all her Chance Creek friends, but in book 2 of this series she has found a way to make me fall in even more love with this little part of the country. Not only do we get so much of Austin and Ella's fantastic story but also a bit of what is going on with other characters from her other series the Cowboys of Chance Creek.
Though Austin and Ella originally chose to go through with this marriage for different reasons, they both find that they quickly learn to not only fall in love but that they couldn't be happier if they'd planned on it. The chemistry between them quickly changes the fact that they'd taken sex off the table and planned to live platonically. The fact that they both work hard to bring their little piece of Crescent Hall back to life, helps forge their relationship into more.
I can honestly say that I can't wait until I get more of these books as I am completely hooked on Chance Creek and all its inhabitants.
Thank You first off to NetGalley for providing us with a copy of this book so that we could bring you this review.
Now I think by now many of you know that I am completely in love with Cora Seton and all her Chance Creek friends, but in book 2 of this series she has found a way to make me fall in even more love with this little part of the country. Not only do we get so much of Austin and Ella's fantastic story but also a bit of what is going on with other characters from her other series the Cowboys of Chance Creek.
Though Austin and Ella originally chose to go through with this marriage for different reasons, they both find that they quickly learn to not only fall in love but that they couldn't be happier if they'd planned on it. The chemistry between them quickly changes the fact that they'd taken sex off the table and planned to live platonically. The fact that they both work hard to bring their little piece of Crescent Hall back to life, helps forge their relationship into more.
I can honestly say that I can't wait until I get more of these books as I am completely hooked on Chance Creek and all its inhabitants.
July 30, 2014
This is the first book that I have read by Cora Seton, but I will definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR list.
I really liked Ella from the very beginning and hated all that she had to endure being an actress. She lost her fiancé and career all at the same time, but in the end she gained a husband and the family that she had always wanted.
Now Austin… That was a different story. Even though we knew all of the feelings that he was holding in about his time serving in the Special Forces and the death of Donavan that he blames himself for. They were many times in the book that I would have like to slap him, but once he faced his demons and Donavan’s parents he realized that he didn’t want to lose Ella and his chance to have a family.
I can’t wait to read more about these brothers and will be definitely be going back and reading Mason and Regan’s story.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review..
I really liked Ella from the very beginning and hated all that she had to endure being an actress. She lost her fiancé and career all at the same time, but in the end she gained a husband and the family that she had always wanted.
Now Austin… That was a different story. Even though we knew all of the feelings that he was holding in about his time serving in the Special Forces and the death of Donavan that he blames himself for. They were many times in the book that I would have like to slap him, but once he faced his demons and Donavan’s parents he realized that he didn’t want to lose Ella and his chance to have a family.
I can’t wait to read more about these brothers and will be definitely be going back and reading Mason and Regan’s story.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review..
August 7, 2014
The Hall brothers all got a new mission - get married within a year or lose the ranch to their cousin.
First brother Mason got his covered in the first book, now it´s time for Austin. He tries a different approach than the original advert, he spells it all out. A no nonsense marriage that will end a set date, and no questions asked. This is just what Ella needs, her career has just crashed and burned in Hollywood, her fiancee left her in a very public way and Ella just wants to get away - far away. What´s better than a ranch in nowhere Montana?
Little did either of them know - you can´t contract feelings.
Contemporary romance, feel good feelings and smutty fluff in a great combo. Loving this series and can´t wait to see what´ll happen with the rest of the brothers.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
First brother Mason got his covered in the first book, now it´s time for Austin. He tries a different approach than the original advert, he spells it all out. A no nonsense marriage that will end a set date, and no questions asked. This is just what Ella needs, her career has just crashed and burned in Hollywood, her fiancee left her in a very public way and Ella just wants to get away - far away. What´s better than a ranch in nowhere Montana?
Little did either of them know - you can´t contract feelings.
Contemporary romance, feel good feelings and smutty fluff in a great combo. Loving this series and can´t wait to see what´ll happen with the rest of the brothers.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 8, 2015
I enjoyed this one even more than the first one (that I also liked quite a lot). The setting was such fun, with the combining of Marriage of Convenience and Fake Married trope? What a great idea. Plus I really liked the Hollywood story (). I'm not a big fan of PTSD but of course it would come up in a series like this one, and it was well done. I liked the Richard thing, and the setting, obviously. Plus it was so nice to have Regan again!
I really recommend this series. Don't be fooled by the goofy title + cover combo, it's actually very well-done.
I really recommend this series. Don't be fooled by the goofy title + cover combo, it's actually very well-done.
May 25, 2015
Este me gustó más que el otro, pero igual, un romance boludo. Cuántas son las chances de que TODAS las variables se den al mismo tiempo para que algo como esto se consume? Jajaja. Lo recomiendo por las risas, sigue siendo un plato fuerte. Está un poco mejor desarrollado que el anterior. Sin embargo, sigo detectando el patrón de "ellos mandan, ellas se callan" que no le atribuyo solamente al background militar sino a... bueno, a un tópico frecuente en este tipo de historias. Eso me ha molestado bastante, pero como decía, es un romance boludo y estaba necesitando leer algo del estilo, puedo permitirme ser indulgente. Y chongos, chongos everywhere.
Por lo demás, la capacidad narrativa solamente ya me hace querer seguir leyendo otro librito de esta serie.
Por lo demás, la capacidad narrativa solamente ya me hace querer seguir leyendo otro librito de esta serie.
May 10, 2015
Not as fun as the first book in the series. This one just seemed to happen too fast. I didn't mind the hero's continual feeling of guilt about not being able to save his buddy during the war because I looked at it as a symptom of PTS. I didn't mind the heroine at all although I know some readers did. I think the real problem for me is the way the couple fell into a physical relationship too fast. There was no time to enjoy any sort of build up of sexual tension.
January 25, 2017
Love this squeal Austin Hall is so sad at the beginning of this story, watching him find love with the woman he agreed to pretend marry was very entertaining. Ella may be hiding from national embarrassment in the wilds of Chance Creek but she soon finds that true happiness can be found when you are least expecting it. Love the bond these two form over the time they get to know each other. Very fun read.
Look forward to the rest of the series.
Look forward to the rest of the series.
August 8, 2014
My first Cora Seaton book and I enjoyed it. She developed her characters well lending a strong base for future stories. Austin was frustrating with his stubborness but it made him all the more realistic. Ella is a good solid character. I can't wait to read more! Those hot scenes were delish.
July 26, 2015
Great book
What a fun quick read!! I love reading a series where the characters from the previous books are continued in the new book. The story flowed so effortlessly, I look forward to the next book.
What a fun quick read!! I love reading a series where the characters from the previous books are continued in the new book. The story flowed so effortlessly, I look forward to the next book.
February 28, 2016
Awesome
I've read the first two books so far and am looking forward to reading more . The characters are interesting you get so involved in there lives and you get so into their live you can't put it down until the end. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I've read the first two books so far and am looking forward to reading more . The characters are interesting you get so involved in there lives and you get so into their live you can't put it down until the end. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
April 29, 2015
The obstacle course in every book is getting a bit boring.
February 17, 2016
Five stars for unexpected comedy.
March 15, 2016
Ella was okay, but Austin's Hamleting around got super annoying. And then the stuff with Heather? Enough already.
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